Speed is one of the most defining features of an attractive sports car, even if it does often come with a very high price tag. Still, many enthusiasts are willing to pay large sums to get behind the wheel of an attractive sports car. And who can blame them? Few things come close to cruising around in a low-slung, aggressive supercar, with hundreds of ponies available at the push of the gas pedal.
Updated March 2022: Every year, cooler and more powerful performance cars depreciate and get closer to the average enthusiast's reach. We've updated this list with some more surprisingly fast and capable machines that anyone can buy for under $20,000 or less in 2022.
Luckily, you don't have to break the bank to enjoy the thrills of a lightning-fast sports car. The used car market offers plenty of models that have aged beautifully and still offer the same thrilling performance as when they were brand new, but for a fraction of the price. There are also many cheap, no-frills sports cars that perform way above everyone's expectations, aimed at thrill-seekers not looking to overpay for their speed machine.
In this list, we give you some of the best sports car options, both used and brand new, that will go insanely fast at a really affordable price.
17 2010 Nissan 370Z
The 370Z has become a staple Japanese performance car for enthusiasts looking for turbocharged rear-wheel-drive fun for not much money. Still in production today, the car has remained virtually unchanged since its debut in 2009 when it replaced the tired 350Z. It may be criticized for its outdated design and cabin, but this means that if you opt for the 2010 version, which fixed many of the initial issues of the 370z, you'll essentially be getting the same car as what you'd get brand-new from a dealership: a leather interior with an outdated infotainment system with way too many buttons, an analog gauge cluster with pressure gauges on the dash, and of course, a decent six-speed manual transmission.
However, it's what's under the hood that really sells the car. For roughly $20,000 for a 2010 Nissan 370Z in great condition, you'll a 3.7-liter turbocharged V6 producing 332 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. All this power goes to the rear wheels, making the car extremely viable for drifting and fun canyon carving. The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, but the car could easily do more. They're also decently reliable, just make sure you buy a non-modified version to be safe.
16 2013 Mazdaspeed 3
Many have already forgotten that Mazda once put out some incredible sleeper sedans and hatchbacks under the "Mazdaspeed" nameplate. In fact, they were easily some of the most fun sports cars in their price range. The reason why Mazda no longer produces cars like this is that the brand wants to move away from the boy-racer look and focus on serious, upscale models that compete with what companies like Volkswagen are doing in Europe. So far, it's working.
Nevertheless, with a 263-horsepower 2.3-liter DOHC inline-four cylinder engine, the Mazdaspeed 3 is a thrilling hatch that's bound to put a smile on the face of anyone sitting behind the wheel. From a standstill, the car will reach 60 mph in an impressive 5.8 seconds and stop accelerating only when it reaches a head-spinning speed of 174 mph. These are also fairly underrated today, so buying one used should not set you back more than $15,000.
15 2007 Audi S6
Based on looks alone, it's easy to underestimate the 2007 Audi S6 as just another boring German sedan. However, true gearheads will immediately recognize it as a true sleeper. The S6 features a 5.2-liter V10 under the hood and develops 420 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. Despite all that power, though, the car is electronically limited to stop accelerating when it reaches 155 mph, otherwise, we're guessing it could easily make the 180 mph mark. These have depreciated massively over the years, and used examples of the 2007 Audi S6 are selling for about $15,000 in decent condition. If your goal is to feel like Jason Statham in Transporter, we suggest picking one up sooner rather than later.
14 BMW 330i E46
Everyone loves the E46 generation of the 3 Series. Introduced for the 2000 model year, this is hands-down one of the most beautiful and recognizable BMWs ever made. No, it's still not an M3, but the 330i will hit 60 mph in just 6 seconds and achieve a top speed limited to 155 mph, making it a true sleeper.
Over 20 years old now, a used BMW 330i E46 will set you back around $12,000, depending on the condition.
13 2005 Porsche Cayman S
This beautiful coupe was introduced in 2005 as the entry-level Porsche, alongside the existing Boxster. Everything that makes the Porsche 911 great is present in the Cayman as well, though on a smaller scale.
The first generation model provides 295 horsepower to the rear wheels, powering the car to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds, and ensuring a top speed of 171 mph. Due to its small stature, the Cayman is surprisingly swift and agile. The fact that you can buy a used 2005 model for around $15,000 makes it a true bargain.
12 Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06
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If you're looking for the best price-to-performance ratio, the Corvette should be one of the first cars to consider. A used C6 Z06 will set you back between $30,000 and $40,000. And though you'll find the C5 model even cheaper, it's the C6 Z06 that provides the best value for the money, packing the massive 505-horsepower 7.0L LS7 V8 that rests on a spry aluminum chassis.
11 2018 Dodge Challenger R/T
The new Challenger is still that same thrilling, no-frills powerhouse we fell in love with 50 years ago. You can always opt for a used Challenger to save some cash, but it's a great bang for the buck even if you buy it brand new.
In R/T trim, the 2018 model uses a muscular 5.7L V8 producing 375 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, and it will not set you back a dime over $40,000.
10 2005 Lotus Elise
The Elise may not be a very popular sports car anymore, but it still hails from a reputable sports car brand that's bound to turn a few heads. And though the newest model is quite pricey, it's surprising how fast the Elise was 18 years ago.
The 2005 model, packing only 190 horsepower, will hit 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. This is because its 1950-lb body was engineered purely for performance. The 2005 Elise models go for anywhere between $30,000 and $40,000.
9 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4
The Mitsubishi 3000GT is among the most unique cars on this list. This is not your regular '90s JDM. Its 3.0L V6 was twin-turbocharged to produce over 320 horsepower, making it faster and more fearsome than anything that came out of Japan in that era. It also carried around trademark supercar features that were state-of-the-art for the time, such as active aerodynamics, pop-up headlights, and an adjustable rear wing.
The 3000GT is still an icon today, and you can find a used model in relatively good shape for under $20,000.
8 2019 Subaru WRX STI
You can't go wrong with a used Subaru WRX STI. The cars are truly reliable and thrilling. But, the latest version is the best there ever was and provides the kind of performance you can hardly beat for a ballpark $35,000 price tag. This includes a standard 306-horsepower boxer four-cylinder that sends power to all four wheels utilizing Subaru's famous symmetrical AWD system. The insane traction that comes as the result gives this sedan a 0-60 mph time of under 5 seconds.
7 2002 Dodge Neon SRT-4
It was over 20 years ago when this model first debuted, so you'll hardly see the Neon on the streets today. Still, it's a great entry-level sports car that will surely surprise everyone who steps inside it with its performance.
Despite its relatively small 2.4L engine, the Neon is actually wicked fast - jetting to 60 in just 5.6 seconds and easily reaching a top speed of 153 mph. And with used ones easily going for under $15,000, it's quite a bargain if all you're looking for is a fun ride.
6 2005 Pontiac GTO
The design of the 2005 GTO may not hit the mark with everyone, but powered by a 400-horsepower 6.0L V8 under the hood, no one can deny the GTO is a thrilling and affordable sports car.
Even today, a used '05 GTO is a great sports car bargain, already available for a $15,000 ballpark used price, according to CarsForSale. Behind the wheel of the GTO, you can expect to hit 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds, and a top speed of at least 160 mph.
5 2005 Ford Mustang GT
The Mustang ages like fine wine, and there's perhaps never been a better time to buy a used 2005 Mustang GT. This all-American muscle powerhouse offers not only stunning looks but also a trademark 4.6L V8, churning out 300 horsepower, and it's really quick.
Behind the wheel of the 2005 Mustang GT, you can expect to hit 60 mph in about 5 seconds flat, and you won't be paying more than $20,000 for a used 2005 Mustang GT model in great condition.
4 2010 Ford Focus RS
The ultimate American hot-hatch never ceases to surprise with its performance and agility. And though it will easily conquer any curve and feel like an AWD, the 2010 RS is still powered only by its front wheels. Nevertheless, the 305 horsepowers, courtesy of a 2.5L five-cylinder, are more than enough to warrant a lightning-fast acceleration and power delivery.
The 2010 model will hit 60 mph in under 6 seconds and a top speed of 164 mph. Used ones go for about $25,000 in awesome condition.
3 BMW 540i E39
Hands down one of the most polished and well-defined BMW exteriors ever, the E39 540i is an elegant sedan with some surprising road capabilities. Like the 330i mentioned earlier in the list, this car doesn't carry the M-marque, but its performance speaks for itself - 286 horsepower and a sub-6-second 60-mph dash.
One of these used, in good condition, can be easily found for around $5,000.
2 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS
If you're a fan of the re-design, the new Camaro is quite a bargain as well. But, there's never been a better time to buy a used 2010 Camaro SS and enjoy the full blast of its muscular 430-horsepower 6.2L V8 for an affordable price.
Yes, this Camaro SS is now 12 years old and packs enough power to shuttle itself to 60 mph in mere 4.6 seconds. The best part? This supercar can be found used for anywhere between $12,000 and $25,000, depending on the mileage.
1 2006 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG
Mercedes-Benz might not be the first brand to come to mind when looking for a cheap sports car, but this makes the affordability of the 2006 E55 AMG all the more surprising. The fact is, Mercedes cars lose value very fast, which is a great thing in the used car market.The E55 AMG packs a beastly V8 producing 469 horsepower (more than most sports cars today), dashing to 60 mph in just over 4 seconds. And though you might need to be careful about maintenance costs, a well-preserved model shouldn't set you back more than $20,000.